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Day 1: Psalms of Blessing

Pastor Lisa’s JournalScripture
Blessed be his glorious name forever; may his glory fill the whole earth. – Psalm 72:19 (NRSV)

Observation
Psalm 72 is a prayer of blessing for those in leadership. It was first prayed for and by the kings of Israel. After so many kings failed and the people were taken captive, this psalm became a prophetic longing and description for God’s promised Messiah. The Messiah, as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, would fulfill God’s desire to bless all people.

May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth. (vs. 6)

May all nations be blessed in him (vs. 17)

May his glory fill the whole earth (vs. 19)

God empowers Godly leaders to cultivate environments of provision and peace. It is their duty to govern with justice and righteousness, so those under their care blossom and flourish. They use their influence and power for the good of all, especially those who are most needy and vulnerable. Systems, situations, and persons who prey on the vulnerable are the enemies of the Godly leader.

Application
When was the last time I prayed for those in positions of significant authority? Political leaders? Military leaders? Religious leaders? Leaders of industry? How can I be an agent of God’s blessing to those entrusted to my care?

No leader sets out to be a leader. People set out to live their lives, expressing themselves fully. When the expression becomes of value, they become leaders. So the point is to become yourself, to use yourself completely—all your skills, and energies, in order to make your vision manifest. You must withhold nothing…so strike hard, try everything, do everything, render everything, and become the person you are capable of being.- Warren Bennis

Prayer
Jehovah-Jireh, God who Provides, you pour out steadfast love and blessing on all people and yet so many remain in need. Raise up Godly leaders to defend your intention; men and women in places of significant authority whose hearts are broken with the cry of the vulnerable. Shield them from temptation and deception. Grant them wisdom for the difficult tasks and encouragement for the times of struggle. Keep them focused, so your agenda remains their agenda, so your priorities remain their priorities, so your values remain their values.

Raise up all who follow you to be a courageous people, ready to stand in your strength against injustice, greed, and the misuse of power. Empower us with righteousness, so our influence brings peace and goodness to those in our care. Let our words, actions and choices reflect the mind of Christ, your Servant and our Savior, in whose name we pray. Amen.

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For another devotion on this subject entitled A Prayer for Those With Influence, click here.

For another prayer based on this theme and this psalm by Steve Garnaas-Holmes entitled A Prayer for Justice, click here

You are invited to join me on a summer adventure through one of the most beloved books in the Bible, Psalms. To download the Summer in the Psalms reading plan, click here Psalms Reading Plan

As you read, you are encouraged to use the SOAP Method for keeping a spiritual journal, as taught at New Hope Christian Fellowship in Hawaii. For more information on this simple and powerful way of engaging the Word of God, please click here or use the simple instructions provided in the reading plan itself.

I look forward to reading your comments and to all that Jesus will do in you and through you as you seek him this summer. – Lisa <><

PS- For more information on the scripture translation, art and the use of this devotional in other settings, please refer to the copyright information page.

2 thoughts on “Day 1: Psalms of Blessing”

Psalm 84:1-2 (NIV)
How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! [2] My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.

This was the verse that really stuck out to me…actually this whole chapter. Not just because it’s a song, but mainly because I can relate to the longing of being in God’s presence. When I am not deeply in devotion with him it feels like my heart is a mess searching for something to fill the void, when He is right there to hold it. “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.” (verse 10)

I almost picked Psalm 84:10 as well. Worship is such a powerful and tangible blessing. I love the translation of this verse in the New Jerusalem Bible, “Better one day in your courts than a thousand at my own devices, to stand on the threshold of God’s house than to live in the tents of the wicked.”